March 31, 2023, will mark the end of an era for Vtubing. Mirai Akari, one of the pioneers of the industry, has announced her retirement from being a virtual YouTuber. And boy, does it hurt.
In her announcement tweet, Akari explained that she had been mulling over this decision for a while. She didn't seem too sure if she was making the right choice, but ultimately, she had to follow her heart. Her main reason for retiring was due to a difference in values between herself and her managers. I mean, we've all been there, right? (If you haven't, you're lucky.)
Akari assured her fans that, even though she wouldn't be posting anything as Akari anymore, she wouldn't be disappearing completely. All of her archives will remain on her YouTube channel, so fans can always go back and re-watch their favorite videos. It's like the Vtuber version of re-reading your favorite book or re-watching your favorite movie. (I see what you did there, Akari. You know we can't let you go.)
But let's not dwell on the sadness for too long. Akari asked her fans to send her off with joy and a smile, and we should honor that request. Let's celebrate all that she has accomplished and the impact she has had on the Vtubing community.
Akari's announcement tweet included four images explaining her decision to retire, and it's clear that this was not an easy choice for her. But she knew that it was time to move on and start a new chapter in her life. It takes a lot of courage to make a decision like this, and we should respect her for that.
As we prepare for Akari's final farewell stream on March 31, let's take a moment to reflect on all that she has done. She has inspired so many people and has helped to shape the Vtubing industry into what it is today. We can't thank her enough for all that she has done.
So, let's send her off with a smile and a promise to continue supporting the Vtubers that she has inspired. And who knows, maybe one day she'll make a comeback. After all, she's a virtual avatar, and anything is possible in the virtual world.
Comments